School Children in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital have staged a play entitled “The People of The Sun”, to promote gender equality and enlightenment on Climate Change.
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The School, Beautiful Beginning Academy Abuja, in collaboration with a movie production company, Deep Waterz Consult, used the stage play to sensitize the younger generation on prevalent societal challenges.
The stage play ignites the battle for identity, power, and survival, using voices to tell a gripping tale of resilience, reckoning, and the urgent fight against gender inequality. The performance is a fierce and thought-provoking journey where men and women stand, not just as equals, but as vital forces, shaping destiny and defending the planet humans call home.
Speaking at the event, the Federal Commissioner, Federal Character Commission, Honourable Ginika Tor, who was also representing Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, reiterated the need to empower children to be aware of prevalent issues such as gender inequality and other societal issues.
She said “as a proud parent whose child is a cast; the king in the play, I strongly believe that functional learning is the way forward for schools. Beautiful Beginning Academy has taken learning a step higher by empowering the students with knowledge, skills and positive attitude that will groom them to apply in real- life situations. Such exploration of talents will groom these children to function effectively in their daily lives, communities and as empowered adults in the future”
The Director General Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Baba Jibrin Ndace, represented by the Deputy Director, Digital Media, Mr Qasim Akinreti, reiterated Voice of Nigeria’s commitment to give children a voice because they are the future Nigerian, who must be given opportunity to excel in a spheres of life.
According to him, “Gender equality, our culture and so many lessons have been projected throughout the play and this shows that there is a great future for these young ones”.
While applauding the children for demonstrating talents and skills way beyond her expectations, the Managing Director Beautiful Beginning Academy, Dr Rosemary Nasa-Okolie called on the government, educational stakeholders and parents to encourage functional learning which will imbibe in the children lifelong skills.
“Functional education is our style of education. We empower our children in knowledge, skills and character. The stage play you are watching today is a tale that ponders on gender equality and the need to promote all the sustainable development goals that will tackle problems caused by climate change. This is just the beginning for us and I encourage parents to embrace 21st century education”.
Awards
Awards of excellence were given to the Mandate Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Adedayo Benjamins – Laniyi, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capita Territory, FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike and the Director General Voice of Nigeria, for their unwavering commitment in advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment and giving a voice to children through the media.
While expressing appreciation for the honour given to her, Comrade Grace Ike, emphasized the need to empower the girl child just as the boy child; as this resonates with her story as the first female NUJ FCT COUNCIL Chairman in over 40 years.
Commendation
The Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, Maricel Romero, commended the display of culture and the advocacy of the school children. She applauded the management of Beautiful Beginning Academy for promoting gender equality while portraying Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Aliyu Mustapha, a grade five student of the school was highly elated about his role in the play, as a unique opportunity for him to advocate for gender equality and climate change.
In his words, “This play has taught me that women are very important and we must protect our environment. I acted in the play and it has taught me that women must not be put in a corner; instead, they should be allowed to shine and achieve all their dreams”.
Another student, Kimorah Douglas said the school, Beautiful Beginning has groomed her to believe in herself and aim for greatness.
Oluchi Okwuego
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